Main description:

This is a handbook of the practical aspects of working with human embryonic stem cells from their derivation to the development of clinical applications. The chapters would start with a brief review and then give practical details for experimental analysis and research. It would also cover ethical issues and requirements for clinical developments.

Contents:

Background to embryonic stem cells.- Regulatory and ethical issues.- Setting up a lab.- Establishing a hES research programme.- Embryonic stem cell derivation.- Principles of hES cell culture.- Cryopreservation of cell lines.- Feeder-free techniques.- Advanced culture techniques for hES cells.- Avoiding culture pitfalls.- Methods of differentiation.- Differentiation Protocols.- Analysis of differentiation.- Immunofluorescent labeling for surface antigens and FACS analysis.- Flow Cytometry.- Transfection.- Molecular profiling of hES cells.- Quality control and assurance.